Voice Interface for a Dialysis Machine

ABSTRACT

A dialysis system, comprising: a dialysis machine; an authentication component configured to determine that a source of a voice command received by the dialysis system is an authorized user of the dialysis system; and a processor configured to carry out a function determined based on the voice command.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation and claims the priority of U.S. Ser.No. 14/847,210, filed Sep. 8, 2015, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a voice interface for a dialysis machine.

BACKGROUND

Dialysis is a treatment used to support a patient with insufficientrenal function. The two principal dialysis methods are hemodialysis andperitoneal dialysis. During hemodialysis (“HD”), the patient's blood ispassed through a dialyzer of a dialysis machine while also passing adialysis solution or dialysate through the dialyzer. A semi-permeablemembrane in the dialyzer separates the blood from the dialysate withinthe dialyzer and allows diffusion and osmosis exchanges to take placebetween the dialysate and the blood stream. These exchanges across themembrane result in the removal of waste products, including solutes likeurea and creatinine, from the blood. These exchanges also regulate thelevels of other substances, such as sodium and water, in the blood. Inthis way, the dialysis machine acts as an artificial kidney forcleansing the blood.

During peritoneal dialysis (“PD”), the patient's peritoneal cavity isperiodically infused with dialysate. The membranous lining of thepatient's peritoneum acts as a natural semi-permeable membrane thatallows diffusion and osmosis exchanges to take place between thesolution and the blood stream. These exchanges across the patient'speritoneum result in the removal of waste products, including soluteslike urea and creatinine, from the blood, and regulate the levels ofother substances, such as sodium and water, in the blood.

Automated PD machines called PD cyclers are designed to control theentire PD process so that it can be performed at home usually overnightwithout clinical staff in attendance. This process is termed continuouscycler-assisted PD (CCPD). Many PD cyclers are designed to automaticallyinfuse, dwell, and drain dialysate to and from the patient's peritonealcavity. The treatment typically lasts for several hours, often beginningwith an initial drain cycle to empty the peritoneal cavity of used orspent dialysate. The sequence then proceeds through the succession offill, dwell, and drain phases that follow one after the other. Eachphase is called a cycle.

Dialysis machines are typically equipped with interfaces for receivinginputs and providing information to users.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a dialysis system includes a dialysis machine. Thedialysis system also includes an authentication component configured todetermine that a source of a voice command received by the dialysissystem is an authorized user of the dialysis system. The dialysis systemalso includes a processor configured to carry out a function determinedbased on the voice command.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the dialysis system also includes a voicerecognition component configured to identify the voice command in audioinformation received by a microphone.

In some implementations, the voice command includes a command for thedialysis machine to perform a dialysis function.

In some implementations, audio information from which the voice commandis identified is received by the dialysis system from an externaldevice.

In some implementations, the external device includes a microphone.

In some implementations, the dialysis system includes the microphone.

In some implementations, the authentication component is configured toreceive input from a non-voice interface of the dialysis system anddetermine that the input is received from an authorized user.

In some implementations, the authentication component is configured toreceive an indication that an authorized user is in proximity to thedialysis system.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component has one of twostates: i) an enabled state in which the voice recognition component isconfigured to identify the voice command in the audio information, andii) a standby state in which the voice recognition component isconfigured to not identify the voice command in the audio information.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component is configuredto identify a wakeup command in the audio information received by themicrophone when the voice recognition component is in the standby state.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component enters theenabled state when the voice recognition component identifies the wakeupcommand.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component is in the sleepstate when an authorized user is not in proximity to the dialysissystem.

In some implementations, the indication that an authorized user is inproximity to the dialysis system is based on the receiving of dataassociated with an external tag.

In some implementations, the external tag includes an RFID tag.

In some implementations, the authentication component is configured todetermine that the source of the voice command is an authorized user ofthe dialysis system based on data identifying the source of the voicecommand.

In some implementations, the data identifying the source of the voicecommand is based on a voice code in audio information received by amicrophone.

In some implementations, the data identifying the source of the voicecommand is based on an identification card containing a data storagemedium that can be accessed by the dialysis system.

In some implementations, the processor is configured to determinewhether the dialysis function is authorized to be carried out inresponse to the voice command being identified.

In some implementations, the dialysis system also includes a userinterface component configured to cause a user interface to display anarrangement of user interface elements.

In some implementations, the user interface elements are buttonsdisplayed by the user interface, and the voice command includes acommand to rearrange the buttons.

In some implementations, the command to rearrange buttons causes abutton of the dialysis machine to be replaced with a different button.

In some implementations, the command to rearrange buttons causes a firstbutton of the dialysis machine and a second button of the dialysismachine to be combined into a single button that, when interacted with,causes the dialysis system to perform at least one action associatedwith the first button and at least one action associated with the secondbutton.

In some implementations, the command to rearrange buttons includes areference to a stored profile that defines an arrangement of buttons tobe displayed.

In some implementations, the command to rearrange buttons includes areference to a stored profile that defines a particular button to bedisplayed.

In some implementations, the command to rearrange buttons is carried outbased at least in part on an identity of the source of the voicecommand.

In some implementations, the command to rearrange buttons is associatedwith a stored profile associated with the source of the voice command.

In some implementations, the user interface component is configured tocause the user interface to display an arrangement of user interfaceelements that is based on an identity of the source of the voicecommand.

In another aspect, a dialysis system includes a dialysis machine. Thedialysis system also includes a speaker. The dialysis system alsoincludes an alarm component configured to determine that an alarmcondition related to the dialysis machine exists, and cause the speakerto provide spoken information related to the alarm condition.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the spoken information includes anidentification of the dialysis machine.

In some implementations, the spoken information includes anidentification of a location of the dialysis machine.

In some implementations, the alarm component is configured to determinethe spoken information based on a verbosity setting of the dialysissystem.

In some implementations, the verbosity setting is determined based on anidentity of a user of the dialysis system.

In some implementations, the verbosity setting is determined based on amedical qualification of a user of the dialysis system.

In another aspect, a dialysis system includes a dialysis machine. Thedialysis system also includes a speaker. The dialysis system alsoincludes an instruction component configured to determine that an actionhas not yet been completed, and cause the speaker to provide spokeninstructions that assist a user of the dialysis system in completing theaction.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the instruction component is configured todetermine the spoken instructions based on a verbosity setting of thedialysis system.

In some implementations, the verbosity setting is determined based on anidentity of the user.

In some implementations, the verbosity setting is determined based on amedical qualification of the user.

In some implementations, the instruction component is configured tocause the speaker to provide subsequent spoken instructions that assistthe user of the dialysis system in completing a second action.

In some implementations, the subsequent spoken instructions are provideda predetermined amount of time after the spoken instructions areprovided.

In some implementations, the dialysis system also includes a displaythat is configured to provide visual information related to the action.

In some implementations, the visual information is one or both of animage and a video that show the action being at least partiallycompleted.

Implementations can include one or more of the following advantages.

In some implementations, the systems and techniques described herein canpromote cleanliness and sterilization in a dialysis environment. Forexample, a user who issues a voice command to the dialysis system doesnot need to make physical contact with the dialysis system to controlit, thereby reducing the risk of spreading germs and eliminating theneed for the user to wear gloves.

In some implementations, dialysis systems with voice command capabilityallow a user to quickly provide instructions to multiple differentdialysis systems that are spatially separated rather than, for example,approach a physical user interface of each dialysis system.

In some implementations, dialysis system with voice alarm capabilityallow a user (e.g., a caregiver or a guardian) to learn detailedinformation related to alarm conditions when the user is not inimmediate proximity to the dialysis system. For example, such as in ahome dialysis context, a guardian can temporarily leave a patient aloneand still receive detailed alarm information that indicates the criticalnature of the particular alarm condition.

In some implementations, dialysis systems with voice alarm capabilitycan assist a caregiver in differentiating various alarm that may beoccurring concurrently on multiple machines. For example, the caregivercan quickly identify the nature of each alarm condition, determine whichalarm condition is most critical, and provide assistance according toneed.

In some implementations, dialysis systems with voice instructioncapability can assist a user in performing dialysis set up actions,treatment actions, and calibration actions. For example, the user canperform a particular action at the direction of the voice instructionwithout having his or her attention diverted by the need to read writteninstructions. The adjustable nature of the verbosity of the voiceinstructions allows the dialysis system to provide instructions that aretailored to a particular user or a particular type of user (e.g., acaregiver, a patient, a technician, etc.), thereby increasing theefficiency of performing the action.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a peritoneal dialysis system.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a processing component of the dialysis systemof FIG. 1 that includes a voice recognition component, an authenticationcomponent, and a user interface component.

FIGS. 3A-3B show examples of a user interface of the dialysis system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the dialysis system of FIG. 1 receiving avoice command from a user.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a processing component of the dialysis systemof FIG. 1 that includes an alarm component, an instruction component,and a user interface component.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the dialysis system of FIG. 1 providingspoken alarm information.

FIGS. 7A-D show examples of visual information provided by a userinterface of the dialysis system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the dialysis system of FIG. 1 incommunication with an external device that includes a microphone and aspeaker.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a computer system.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A dialysis machine can include a microphone and a component that providevoice recognition capabilities to the machine. For example, in someimplementations, the component is configured to identify voice commandsthat are issued by a user. The voice command may cause the dialysismachine to carry out a dialysis function. Alternatively, the voicecommand may cause a user interface of the dialysis machine (e.g., adisplay, such as a touchscreen display) to be adjusted. The dialysismachine may have its voice recognition capabilities active only when theuser is within proximity of the machine. The voice recognitioncapabilities allow the user to control the machine without touching themachine, thereby eliminating the need for the user to wear gloves and/orreducing the risk of facilitating the spread of infection that is morelikely to occur when using a touch-based input device.

A dialysis machine can also include a speaker for providing spokeninformation to a user. For example, in some implementations, the speakercan provide spoken instructions to assist the user in machine set-up,calibration, and/or operation. Such spoken instructions can beparticularly useful in a home dialysis setting. In some implementations,the speaker can provide spoken alarms that are related to alarmconditions. The spoken alarms may include patient and/or dialysismachine identifying information. The verbosity of the spokeninstructions and/or the spoken alarms may be adjustable, and both may beaccompanied by visual information displayed by the dialysis machine(e.g., visual alarms, images, and/or videos). In some implementations,the speaker may include a unit with one or more processors to processreceived input that is used in connection with providing the spokeninformation.

FIG. 1 shows a peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system 100 that includes a PDmachine (also referred to as a PD cycler) 102 seated on a cart 104. ThePD machine 102 includes a housing 106, a door 108, and a cassetteinterface that contacts a disposable PD cassette when the cassette isdisposed within a cassette compartment formed between the cassetteinterface and the closed door 108. A heater tray 116 is positioned ontop of the housing 106. The heater tray 116 is sized and shaped toaccommodate a bag of dialysate (e.g., a 5 liter bag of dialysate). ThePD machine 102 also includes a user interface such as a touch screendisplay 118 and additional control buttons 120 that can be operated by auser (e.g., a caregiver or a patient) to allow, for example, set up,initiation, and/or termination of a PD treatment.

Dialysate bags 122 are suspended from fingers on the sides of the cart104, and a heater bag 124 is positioned in the heater tray 116. Thedialysate bags 122 and the heater bag 124 are connected to the cassettevia dialysate bag lines 126 and a heater bag line 128, respectively. Thedialysate bag lines 126 can be used to pass dialysate from dialysatebags 122 to the cassette during use, and the heater bag line 128 can beused to pass dialysate back and forth between the cassette and theheater bag 124 during use. In addition, a patient line 130 and a drainline 132 are connected to the cassette. The patient line 130 can beconnected to a patient's abdomen via a catheter and can be used to passdialysate back and forth between the cassette and the patient'speritoneal cavity during use. The drain line 132 can be connected to adrain or drain receptacle and can be used to pass dialysate from thecassette to the drain or drain receptacle during use.

The PD machine 102 also includes a control unit 139 (e.g., a processor),a speaker 141, and a microphone 143. The control unit 139 can receivesignals from and transmit signals to the touch screen display 118, thecontrol panel 120, the speaker 141, the microphone 143, and the variousother components of the PD system 100. The PD machine 102 can receiveaudio input (e.g., spoken commands) through the microphone 143 andprovide audio output (e.g., spoken alarms, alerts, and instructions)through the speaker 141. The control unit 139 can control the operatingparameters of the PD machine 102, for example, based in part on theaudio input and output. In some implementations, the control unit 139 isan MPC823 PowerPC device manufactured by Motorola, Inc.

Voice Commands

The PD system 100 also includes a processing component. An example of aprocessing component 200 is shown in FIG. 2. The processing component200 is configured to recognize and process voice commands. In thisexample, the processing component 200 includes a voice recognitioncomponent 202, an authentication component 204, and a user interfacecomponent 206. The processing component 200 is configured to communicatewith the control unit 139, the microphone 143, and the touch screendisplay 118 of FIG. 1.

The microphone 143 is configured to receive audio information (e.g.,spoken information) from a user, such as a patient or a caregiver. Thevoice recognition component 202 can receive the audio information fromthe microphone 143 and identify one or more voice commands in the audioinformation. In some implementations, a message (e.g., an audio messageor a visual message) is presented if the voice command is not understoodor not permitted. The voice recognition component 202 is configured totranslate the audio information into text. The translated text iscompared to stored information (e.g., stored text) that corresponds toone or more voice commands. The stored information may include verbalsound patterns expected/associated with various voice commands. Forexample, the voice recognition component 202 may translate audioinformation into a text string “set dialysate flow rate to 500milliliters per minute.” The stored text may include the text string“set dialysate flow rate” and information linking the text string to a“set dialysate flow rate” voice command. The spoken text string iscompared to the stored text string, and based on the comparison,invocation of the “set dialysate flow rate” voice command is identified.The control unit 139 can then provide instructions for causing thedialysis system 100 to carry out a function related to the voicecommand. The text to which the translated text is compared may be storedon the dialysis machine 102 and/or stored in a location accessible bythe dialysis system 100 (e.g., on a server, in a database, etc.). Forexample, a command storage 134 can store data referencing commands thatare associated with particular text strings. The command storage 134 canbe external to the dialysis machine 102 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) ormay be included as part of the dialysis machine 102.

One or more of the voice commands that correspond to the storedinformation may be commands for the dialysis machine 102 to perform adialysis function. For example, the voice commands may include a commandfor setting the dialysate flow rate (e.g., “set dialysate flow rate to500 milliliters per minute”), a command for setting the heparin infusionrate (e.g., “set heparin infusion rate to 21 milliliters per hour”), acommand for running a heat disinfection procedure (e.g., “run heatdisinfect”), a command for raising dialysate conductivity limits (e.g.,“set upper conductivity limit to 14.5 mS/cm”), and a command forinitiating a sustained low-efficiency dialysis (“SLED”) treatmentprogram (e.g., “run SLED”), among others. In some implementations, oneor more of the voice commands are related to other (e.g., non-dialysis)functions such as maintenance functions and/or cleaning functions, amongothers, as described in more detail below. In some implementations, thesource of the voice command (e.g., a person who issues the voicecommand) provides a confirmation (e.g., by saying “confirm”) before thecontrol unit 139 carries out the function related to the voice command.

One or more of the voice commands may be associated with a parameter ormultiple parameters. For example, the “set dialysate flow rate” isassociated with a dialysate flow rate parameter. Thus, part ofidentifying the “set dialysate flow rate” voice command includesidentifying the provided value for the dialysate flow rate parameter,which is “500 milliliters per minute” in this example. The control unit139 can then provide instructions to the dialysis system 100 to causethe dialysis system 100 to carry out a function related to the voicecommand (e.g., set the dialysate flow rate to 500 milliliters perminute).

In some implementations, one or more of the voice commands may be forconfiguring a user interface of the dialysis system 100 (e.g., the touchscreen display 118 of FIG. 1). The user interface component 206 may beconfigured to cause the user interface to display an arrangement of userinterface elements (e.g., buttons) in response to a voice command. Forexample, the user interface component 206 may cause a display to presentan arrangement of buttons that a user can interact with to control thedialysis system 100. In some implementations, the voice command maycause the buttons to be rearranged. For example, the voice command maycause one button to be replaced with a different button (e.g., “replacethe ‘dialysate flow’ button with the ‘ultrafiltration removed’ button”).The voice command may cause a first button and a second button to becombined into a single button (e.g., “combine the ‘ultrafiltration rate’button and the ‘ultrafiltration time’ button”). A combined button mayrepresent multiple actions that are typically performed together. Thedialysis system 100 may perform at least one action associated with thefirst button and at least one action associated with the second buttonwhen the user interacts with the single combined button.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of the touch screen display 118 accordingto configurations consistent with the example provided above. In FIG.3A, the touch screen display 118 presents a ‘dialysate flow’ button 302,an ‘ultrafiltration rate’ button 304, and an ‘ultrafiltration time’button 306. A user who wishes to alter the configuration of the touchscreen display 118 may issue the following commands: i) “replace the‘dialysate flow’ button with the ‘ultrafiltration removed’ button” andii) “combine the ‘ultrafiltration rate’ button and the ‘ultrafiltrationtime’ button.” The user interface component 206 causes the touch screendisplay 118 to adjust the arrangement of buttons according to thepresentation shown in FIG. 3B. Specifically, the ‘dialysate flow’ button302 is replaced with an ‘ultrafiltration removed’ button 308, and the‘ultrafiltration rate’ button 304 and the ‘ultrafiltration time’ buttons306 are combined into an ‘ultrafiltration rate+time’ button 310.

In some implementations, a combined button may cause a sub-screen to bedisplayed that includes the individual buttons that were subject to thecombination. For example, the ‘ultrafiltration rate’ button 304 and the‘ultrafiltration time’ button 306 may be combined into an‘ultrafiltration parameters’ button. When the user interacts with the‘ultrafiltration parameters’ button, the touch screen display 118 maypresent an ultrafiltration parameters sub-screen that includes the‘ultrafiltration rate’ button 304 and the ‘ultrafiltration time’ button306. The user can interact with each individual button to select andadjust parameters associated with the particular button.

In some implementations, the voice command may include a reference to astored profile that defines an arrangement of buttons to be displayedand cause the buttons to be arranged (e.g., by the user interfacecomponent 206) according to the stored profile. For example, the voicecommand may include a reference to a stored profile that defines aparticular arrangement of buttons to be displayed. The stored profilemay define one or more particular buttons to be displayed. For example,a profile may be stored that includes a modified version of the dialysishome screen on which particular buttons have been arranged. In someimplementations, the screen includes one or more combined buttons. Insome implementations, the stored profiles may include rearrangementsand/or combinations of the following user interface elements: meterboxes, toggle buttons, action buttons, edit buttons, or the like.

The stored profile may be associated with a particular user such thatcertain buttons are presented and/or the buttons have a predefinedarrangement when the particular user is accessing the dialysis system100 In this way, the command to rearrange buttons may be carried outbased at least in part on an identity of the user (e.g., the source ofthe command). For example, a particular user may have a stored profilethat is associated with the particular user. The stored profile mayinclude data representing a preconfigured set of buttons that may be ina preconfigured arrangement. The dialysis system 100 can identify thesource of the voice command (as described in more detail below) andcause the buttons to be arranged according to the stored profile, e.g.,by reading the data of the stored profile and using the data todetermine the preconfigured arrangement. Rather than or in addition tobeing associated with a particular user, the stored profile may beassociated with a type of user and/or a medical qualification of theuser. For example, the stored profiles may include a caregiver profile(e.g., doctor or nurse), a patient profile (e.g., adult or child), and atechnician profile, among others. The dialysis system 100 can identifythe source of the voice command, obtain information related to thesource of the voice command, and access the appropriate stored profile.

Referring to FIG. 2, the authentication component 204 is configured todetermine whether a source of a voice command is an authorized user ofthe dialysis system 100. For example, the authentication component 204may have access to stored authorization information that identifies theaccess privileges of various users (e.g., caregivers, patients, etc.) tovarious dialysis systems. The authentication component 204 can identifythe source of the voice command and compare identification informationof the source of the voice command (e.g., the name, ID number, etc. ofthe source) to the stored authorization information to determine whetherthe source of the voice command is an authorized user of the particulardialysis system 100. In some implementations, the control unit 139 doesnot carry out the function related to the voice command unless theauthentication component 204 determines that the source of the voicecommand is an authorized user of the dialysis system 100.

The authentication component 204 can be configured to identify thesource of the voice command in a number of ways. In someimplementations, the source of the voice command verbally providesidentification information that is received by the authenticationcomponent 204 through the microphone 143. The identification informationmay be in the form of the source's name, the source's identificationnumber, a voice code, or the source's title/profession (e.g., doctor,nurse, technician, patient, etc.), among others.

In some implementations, the authentication component 204 is configuredto receive non-voice input (e.g., input from a non-voice interface) toidentify the source of the voice command. For example, referring to FIG.4, a doctor 402 who is the source of a voice command may carry awireless identification device 404, such as a card that utilizes a NearField Communication (NFC) standard. The PD machine 102 can include awireless initiator 406, such as an NFC initiator, that is incommunication with the processing component 200. The wireless initiator406 generates an RF field that can power the wireless identificationdevice and allow the wireless identification device 404 to provideinformation to the wireless initiator 406. The wireless identificationdevice 404 is configured to provide the doctor's 402 identificationinformation to the dialysis system 100 when the wireless identificationdevice 404 is in proximity to the PD machine 102. For example, when thewireless identification device 404 is within transmission range of thePD machine 102, the PD machine 102 infers that the identity of thesource of the voice command corresponds to the identificationinformation provided by the wireless identification device 404. In thisexample, the PD machine 102 determines that the source of the voicecommand is the doctor 402 and that the doctor 402 is an authorized userof the PD system 102. Thus, the PD machine 102 carries out the functionsrelated to the particular voice command. The wireless identificationdevice 404 and the wireless initiator 406 may use other protocols suchas Bluetooth™ or RFID to provide and receive the identificationinformation.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component 202 operates inone of two states: an enabled state in which the voice recognitioncomponent 202 is configured to identify one or more voice commands inreceived audio information, and a standby state in which the voicerecognition component 202 is configured to not identify the voicecommand in the audio information. While in the standby state, the voicerecognition component 202 may be configured to identify a wakeup commandin the audio information received by the microphone 143. The voicerecognition component 202 may identify the wakeup command using anapproach similar to the one described above for identifying voicecommands in the audio information. For example, the voice recognitioncomponent 202 can translate the audio information into text, and thetranslated text can be compared to stored wakeup command information. Awakeup command may be identified based on the comparison. If a wakeupcommand is identified, the voice recognition component 202 enters theenabled state, in which the voice recognition component 202 can identifyvoice commands. In some implementations, the audio information cancontain i) a wakeup command to cause the voice recognition component 202to enter the enabled state, and ii) a subsequent voice command that canbe identified by the voice recognition component 202 in the enabledstate.

The stored wakeup command information may include text strings thatcorrespond to a wakeup command. For example, a text string “hey machinenumber” or “wake up” followed by an identification number of thedialysis machine 102 (e.g., “hey machine number 357”; “wake up machinenumber 357”) may cause the voice recognition component 202 of dialysismachine number 357 to enter the enabled state. In some implementations,simply reciting the identification number of a dialysis machine maycause the voice recognition component 202 of that dialysis machine toenter the enabled state.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component 202 operates ineither the enabled state or the standby based on a proximity of a userto the dialysis system 100. For example, the voice recognition component202 may operate in the enabled state while the user is within aparticular distance of the dialysis system 100, and the voicerecognition component 202 may operate in the standby state while theuser is outside of the particular distance. The proximity of the user tothe dialysis system 100 may be determined based on information receivedfrom a wireless device (e.g., an external tag that utilizes a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) standard). The wireless device may use a Bluetooth™and/or an RFID protocol to provide information to the dialysis system100. For example, the wireless device may be an RFID tag thatcommunicates with the dialysis system 100 such that the dialysis system100 can determine a distance between the RFID tag and the dialysissystem 100. The voice recognition component 202 may operate in theenabled state while the RFID tag is within a particular distance of thedialysis system 100.

In some implementations, the voice recognition component 202 considersthe particular identity of the user before considering the proximity ofthe user (e.g., for purposes of determining whether to operate in theenabled state or the standby state). For example, the voice recognitioncomponent 202 may determine that a user is within a particular distanceof the dialysis system 100, but if the user is not an authorized user ofthe dialysis system 100, the voice recognition component 202 may remainin the standby state, and thus refrain from identifying voice commands.The identity of the user can be determined according to any of theexamples provided above with respect to identifying the source of thevoice command.

Voice Alarms/Instructions

In some implementations, the processing component is also configured tocause voice alarms and voice instructions to be presented. FIG. 5 showsanother example of a processing component 500 that includes an alarmcomponent 502, an instruction component 504, and the user interfacecomponent (206 of FIG. 2). The processing component 500 is configured tointeract with the control unit 139, the speaker 141, and the touchscreen display 118 of FIG. 1.

The alarm component 502 is configured to determine whether an alarmcondition related to the dialysis machine 102 exists, and cause thespeaker 141 to provide spoken (e.g., verbal) information related to thealarm condition. Spoken alarm information can provide more informationthan traditional unspoken alarms (e.g., flashing lights,monotone/multitoned alarms). The spoken information can include the nameof the patient being treated, an identification of the dialysis machine102, and the particular alarm condition that exists. For example, ifpatient John Doe is being treated by dialysis machine number 357 and ablood leak is detected, the speaker 141 may emit “John Doe, machine 357,blood leak.” Rather than or in addition the particular machine number,the spoken information may include other identification informationrelated to the particular dialysis machine, such as a location of themachine. In some implementations, the touch screen display 118 candisplay information related to the alarm condition when the alarmcondition arises. A user can interact with the touch screen display 118(e.g., by selecting an alarm status box) to obtain more detailed alarminformation, such as particular values for various measurements that ledto the alarm condition.

The spoken alarm information may be useful in home dialysis contexts.For example, spoken information that includes information related to theparticular alarm condition can assist a caregiver or a guardian inquickly identifying dangerous or life-threatening situations. FIG. 6shows an example of a child patient 602 receiving a treatment from thePD machine 102 with the supervision of the child's parent 604. If theparent 604 temporarily leaves the child alone by going to an adjacentroom, he or she may be unable to closely monitor the dialysis treatmentfor a period of time. If a serious alarm condition arises (e.g., a bloodleak alarm condition, an air detection alarm condition, a high/lowtemperature alarm condition, an arterial pressure low/high alarmcondition, a pulse low/high alarm condition, or a systolic pressurelow/high alarm condition, among others), the parent 604 will hear thespoken alarm, which includes the particular condition being experienced,and know that immediate assistance is needed. On the other hand, if arelatively non-serious alarm condition arises (e.g., a “missingbicarbonate bag” alarm condition or an “unexpected bicarbonate bag”alarm condition, among others), the parent 604 will know that thecondition is not critical. Such detailed alarm information can also beespecially helpful for patients and/or caregivers with a visualimpairment who would otherwise be unable to ascertain the particularalarm condition.

The spoken alarm information may also be useful in environments thatinclude multiple dialysis machines, such as dialysis clinics, to assistthe caregiver in differentiating various alarms that may be occurringconcurrently. For example, if three alarm conditions exist concurrentlyfor three different dialysis machines, the caregiver can quicklyidentify the types of each alarm condition, determine which alarmcondition is the most critical, and provide assistance to the patientaccording to need.

The instruction component 504 is configured to cause spoken instructionsto be provided to a user of the dialysis system 100. The instructioncomponent 504 can determine whether a particular action has beencompleted. If the instruction component 504 determines that theparticular action has not yet been completed, the instruction component504 can cause the speaker 141 to provide spoken instructions that canassist a user of the dialysis system 100 in completing the particularaction. Such actions can include set up actions, treatment actions, andcalibration actions, among others. The spoken instructions may beprovided automatically (e.g., upon determining that the action has notyet been completed and/or after a predetermined amount of time relativeto machine initiation) or in response to the user interacting with thedialysis system 100 (e.g., upon the user interacting with the touchscreen display 118, as described in more detail below.

For example, the instruction component 504 may determine that a portionof machine set up has not yet been completed. The instruction component504 can cause the speaker 141 to provide spoken instructions that assistthe patient and/or a caregiver in setting up the dialysis system 100. Inthis way, the spoken instructions may also act as an alert indicatingthat one or more actions need to be completed. The spoken instructionscan include step-by-step directions for completing the actions. Forexample, the instruction component 504 may provide spoken step-by-stepdirections for preparing the patient for a dialysis treatment, with eachspoken step corresponding to an action. The instructions can include thefollowing spoken steps: i) “ensure heater tray is free fromobstructions”; ii)“insert cassette into cassette compartment”;iii)“connect dialysate bags to cassette via dialysate bag lines”; iv)“place heater bag on heater tray”; v)“connect heater bag to cassette viaheater bag line”; vi) “connect drain line to cassette and drain”; vii)“connect patient line to cassette and to patient via catheter”; andviii) “clamp unused lines.”

The spoken instructions can be automatically provided in sequence suchthat there are delays between the spoken steps. In some implementations,the delays are predefined, and each delay has a length that is based onthe approximate amount of time that it typically takes for the user toperform the action that corresponds to the previous spoken step. In someimplementations, one or more portions of the spoken instructions (e.g.,one or more of the spoken steps) are provided in response to the userinteracting with the dialysis system 100.

In some implementations, the user interface (e.g., the touch screendisplay 118) is configured to provide visual information related to theaction. FIGS. 7A-D show examples of the touch screen display 118providing visual information that includes images that show arepresentation of the action being partially or fully completed. In someimplementations, the visual information includes videos in addition toor instead of images.

FIG. 7A shows an example of the touch screen display 118 providingvisual information related to setting up the arterial line, as describedabove. The visual information includes an image 702 that shows arepresentation of components of the dialysis system 100 relevant tosetting up the arterial line, and written instructions 704 forperforming the action. In some implementation, the image 702 is modifiedas each step of the written instructions 704 is provided by the speaker141. For example, when the “remove tape and feed pump segment into pump”instruction is provided, a first indicator 706 may be highlighted toassist the user in finding the tape that should be removed. Similarly,when the “remove tape and connect arterial line to bottom of dialyzer”instruction is provided, a second indicator 708 may be highlighted. Thetouch screen display 118 also presents category buttons 710 that theuser can interact with to cause visual information related to differentactions to be displayed.

FIG. 7B shows an example of the touch screen display 118 providingvisual information related to flushing saline. The visual informationincludes an image 714 that shows a representation of components of thedialysis system 100 relevant to flushing saline, and writteninstructions 716 for performing the action. The image 714 includesvarious indicators (denoted by the letters “A”, “D”, “S”, and “V”) thatcorrespond to portions of the written instructions 716 for assisting theuser in performing the flush saline action. As mentioned above, theimage 714 may be modified to add and/or highlight the indicators as eachstep of the written instructions 714 is provided by the speaker 141. Forexample, when the “open clamp and gravity flush arterial line to drainbag” instruction is provided, the “D” indicator may be highlighted toassist the user in finding the clamp. The written instructions 716 canalso include additional buttons that the user can interact with whileperforming the actions. In this example, the written instructions 716include checkboxes 718 for confirming that the line has been flushed. Insome implementations, the user confirms that an action has beencompleted (e.g., by checking the “yes” checkbox) to cause the nextinstruction to be provided.

FIG. 7C shows an example of the touch screen display 118 providingvisual information related to starting a treatment. The visualinformation includes an image 720 that shows a representation ofparameters (e.g., arterial pressure, venous pressure, transmembranepressure (TMP)) relevant to starting a treatment, and writteninstructions 722 for performing the action. The written instructions 722also include a ‘Tx’ button 724 that the user can interact with to startthe treatment. In this example, the ‘Tx’ button 724 is in the pausedstate. After the “set blood pump speed and turn blood pump on”instruction is provided and the user performs the action, the user caninteract with the ‘Tx’ button 724 to cause the dialysis system 100 tostart the treatment.

FIG. 7D shows an example of the touch screen display 118 providingvisual information related to ending a treatment. The visual informationincludes an image 724 that shows a representation of components of thedialysis system 100 relevant to ending the treatment, and writteninstructions 726 for performing the action. As in some of the previousexamples, the image 724 includes various indicators (denoted by theletters “R” and “A”) that correspond to portions of the writteninstructions 726 for assisting the user in ending the treatment. Theimage 714 may be modified to add and/or highlight the indicators as eachstep of the written instructions 714 is provided by the speaker 141.

As mentioned above, in some implementations, one or more portions of thespoken instructions (e.g., one or more of the spoken steps thatcorrespond to actions) are provided in response to the user interactingwith the dialysis system 100. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, the touch screendisplay 118 can provide a ‘play’ button 712. The user may interact withthe ‘play’ button 712 to cause the spoken instructions to be provided bythe speaker 141. In some implementations, all steps of the spokeninstructions are provided in series upon the user interacting with the‘play’ button 712, and the user can perform the associated actions asthe spoken instructions are provided. In some implementations, a firststep of the spoken instructions is provided upon the user interactingwith the ‘play’ button 712, and each subsequent step is provided uponthe user again interacting with the ‘play’ button 712, thereby ensuringthat the user has sufficient time to perform each actions. In someimplementations, the user can interact with the ‘play’ button 712 topause playback of the spoken instruction. In some implementations, theuser can interact with the ‘play’ button 712 after the spokeninstructions have been provided to cause the spoken instructions to berepeated. In some implementations, the dialysis system 100 can detectwhen a particular action has been performed, and in response, cause asubsequent spoken instruction to be provided.

Still referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, the touch screen display 118 can providea ‘help’ button 711 that the user can interact with to access a helpscreen. In some implementations, the ‘help’ button 711 also performs thefunctionality of the ‘play’ button 712 described above. For example,upon interacting with the ‘help’ button 711, the touch screen display118 may present a dialog for allowing the user to i) access the helpscreen, or ii) initiate the spoken instructions. In someimplementations, the functionality of the ‘help’ button 711 and the‘play’ button 712 can be combined into a single ‘help/play’ button. Insome implementations, interacting with the ‘help’ button 711 may causethe touch screen display 118 to play a video that shows a particularaction being performed to assist the user in performing the particularaction.

The verbosity (e.g., the types of details, the level of detail, etc.) ofthe spoken alarm information and/or the spoken instruction can beadjustable. For example, in the context of spoken alarm information, theverbosity may be based on a qualification (e.g., a medicalqualification) of the target user because certain users may benefit frommore or less details related to the alarm condition. If the target useris not a medical professional (e.g., the target user is a patient), aminimal verbosity setting may be employed by the dialysis system 100(e.g., “arterial pressure alarm, check patient and arterial port”). Onthe other hand, if the target user is a caregiver (e.g., the target useris a doctor or a nurse), a more extensive verbosity setting may beemployed to convey additional information (e.g., “arterial pressurealarm, arterial pressure of 50 mmHg detected, check patient and arterialport”). In the context of spoken instructions, the verbosity may also bebased on an identity and/or a medical qualification of the target user.If the target user is not a medical professional, an extensive verbositysetting may be employed (e.g., “insert dialyzer into holder”; ii) “hangdrain bag on posts”; iii) “snap arterial chamber into holder”; iv)“remove tape 1 and feed pump segment into pump”; v)“remove tape 2 andconnect arterial line to bottom of dialyzer”; and iv) “insert line intotubing guides”). In some implementations, such relatively extensiveverbosity setting cause indicators (e.g., 706, 708 of FIG. 7A) to beincluded in the image 702 and the written instructions 704 thatcorrespond to the spoken instructions. On the other hand, if the targetuser is a caregiver, a less extensive verbosity setting may be employed(e.g., “set up blood line”). In some implementations, an alternativeverbosity setting may be employed if the target user is a machinetechnician. For example, the spoken instructions may include a highlevel of detail that is relevant for troubleshooting and/or performingmaintenance on the dialysis system 100.

The verbosity may also be based on an identity of a particular user. Forexample, a particular verbosity setting may correspond to each of anumber of particular users. Information related to such correspondencesmay be stored on the dialysis system 100 and/or stored in a locationaccessible by the dialysis system 100 (e.g., on a server, in a database,etc.).

The qualification and/or identity of the user may be determined in anumber of ways. In some implementations, the user verbally providesidentification information to the dialysis system 100 (e.g., the user'sname, identification number, and/or title/profession) using thetechniques described above. In some implementations, the user providessuch identification through the touch screen display 118 and/or thecontrol panel 120. In some implementations, the qualification and/oridentity of the user is determines using non-voice input (e.g., inputprovided by a wireless communication device). For example, thequalification and/or the identity of the user may be determined based oninformation provided by a wireless identification device associated withthe user, such as the wireless identification device 404 of FIG. 4.

In some implementation, the verbosity of the spoken alarm informationand/or the spoken instruction can be manually adjusted by a user. Forexample, the user may access a settings screen that allows configurationof the verbosity by interacting with a user interface element presentedby the touch screen display 118. Briefly referring back to FIGS. 7A-7D,the user may interact with the ‘help’ button 711 to cause a verbosityadjustment window to be presented.

While certain implementations have been described, other implementationsare possible.

While the dialysis system has been described as including the microphoneand the speaker, in some implementations, one or both of the microphoneand the speaker is part of a separate, external device. FIG. 8 shows anexample of a tablet computer 800 that is configured to communicate(e.g., wirelessly communicate) with the dialysis system 100. The tabletcomputer 800 includes a microphone 802 and a speaker 804. The microphone802 and the speaker 804 may be included in addition to or instead of themicrophone 143 and the speaker 141 of the dialysis system 100. Themicrophone 802 is configured to receive audio information (e.g., spokeninformation) from a user and provide the audio information to thedialysis system 100. The voice recognition component (202 of FIG. 2)receives the audio information and can identify one or more voicecommands in the audio information using the techniques described above.

Voice alarms and/or voice instructions can be provided by the speaker804. For example, when the alarm component (502 of FIG. 5) determinesthat an alarm condition exists, the dialysis system 100 can provideinformation to the tablet computer 800 that causes the speaker 804 toprovide spoken information related to the alarm condition. Similarly,when the instruction component (504 of FIG. 5) determines that voiceinstructions are to be provided (e.g., based on a determination that aparticular action has not yet been completed), the dialysis system 100can provide information to the tablet computer 800 that causes thespeaker 804 to provide spoken instructions for assisting a user incompleting the action.

While the external device has been described as being a tablet computer,in some implementations, the external device is another type of externalcomputing device such as a laptop, a smartphone, or a personal digitalassistant (PDA), among others.

While the processing component has been described as including the voicerecognition component, in some implementations, the voice recognitioncomponent is part of the external device. For example, the externaldevice may include a microphone that receives audio information, thevoice recognition component can translate the audio information intotext, and the external device can provide the translated text to thedialysis system. In some implementations, rather than the translatedtext being provided directly to the dialysis system, the translated textis compared to stored information (e.g., stored text) that correspondsto one or more voice commands, and the external device instead providesinformation related to the invoked voice command to the dialysis system.The dialysis system can then carry out a function related to the voicecommand.

In some implementations, a display of the external device can replicatewhat is presented by the touch screen display of the dialysis system.For example, user interface elements (e.g., buttons), images, videos,and/or written instructions that are presented by the touch screendisplay may also be displayed on the external device. In someimplementations, the external device's display is a touch screendisplay. In some implementations, a user can interact with the externaldevice in the same way that the user can interact with the dialysissystem's touch screen display in order to control the dialysis system.The ability to control the dialysis system using the external device mayrequire authentication (e.g., by the authentication component) accordingto the procedures described above.

While the control unit and the processing component have been describedas being separate components, in some implementations, the control unitis part of the processing component. In some implementations, theprocessing component is part of the control unit. In someimplementations, the dialysis machine includes multiple control unitsand/or processing components.

While various different components of the dialysis machine (e.g., thevoice recognition component, the authentication component, the userinterface component, the alarm component, the instruction component,etc.) have been described, in some implementations, the functionality ofthe various components can be performed by one or more control unitsand/or processors. For example, in some implementations, the dialysismachine includes one processor (e.g., the control unit 139 of FIG. 1)that is configured to perform the functionality of the voice recognitioncomponent, the authentication component, the user interface component,the alarm component, and the instruction component, among others.

While the processing component has been described as having variousembodiments that include various components (e.g., the voice recognitioncomponent, the authentication component, the user interface component,the alarm component, the instruction component, etc.), in someimplementations, the processing component can include additionalcomponents, fewer components, or different combinations of components.For example, the processing component may include a differentcombination of components than those shown in the figures. In someimplementations, a single processing component includes all of thevarious components described herein.

In some implementations, multiple voice commands can be received andqueued up by the dialysis system. For example, the microphone canreceive audio information that includes multiple voice commands, and thecontrol unit can execute the voice commands in a particular order. Forexample, the voice commands may be executed in the order in which theywere received. In some implementations, the voice commands are executedaccording to other criteria (e.g., based on predefined rules orconfiguration parameters of the dialysis system). For example, a firstvoice command may be received that corresponds to a relatively trivialfunction, and a second voice command may subsequently be received thatcorresponds to a relatively urgent function. The second voice commandmay be executed before the first voice command based on predefinedpriority information. The multiple voice commands may be separated bythe word “then” to signify that multiple voice commands are beingprovided.

In some implementations, the user interface may be configured to presenta particular screen upon the dialysis system receiving a voice command.For example, if a user provides a “set dialysate flow rate” voicecommand while the user interface is presenting a home screen, the userinterface may automatically switch to presenting a dialysis set upscreen (e.g., a screen for setting a dialysate flow rate).

While the voice commands have been largely described as causing thedialysis system to perform dialysis treatment configuration functionsand user interface configuration functions, in some implementations, oneor more of the voice commands are related to dialysis machinemaintenance functions and/or cleaning functions. For example, the voicecommands may include a command for causing the dialysis machine toupdate its software and/or firmware, causing the dialysis machine toreboot, causing the dialysis machine to shut down, and/or causing thedialysis machine to initiate a rinse cycle, among others.

While examples of voice commands that cause the arrangement of userinterface element (e.g., buttons) to be rearranged have been described,in some implementations, the dialysis system may also allow for manualreconfiguration of the buttons. For example, a user may manuallyconfigure the buttons in a particular arrangement and instruct thedialysis system to save the arrangement. When the user subsequentlyaccesses the dialysis system, the saved configuration may be restored.

While the dialysis system has been largely described as being aperitoneal (PD) dialysis system, other medical treatment systems canemploy the techniques described herein. Examples of other medicaltreatment systems include hemodialysis systems, hemofiltration systems,hemodiafiltration systems, apheresis systems, and cardiopulmonary bypasssystems.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example computer system 900. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the control unit 139 and/or theprocessing component(s) 200, 500 could be examples of the system 900described here. The system 900 includes a processor 910, a memory 920, astorage device 930, and an input/output device 940. Each of thecomponents 910, 920, 930, and 940 can be interconnected, for example,using a system bus 950. The processor 910 is capable of processinginstructions for execution within the system 900. The processor 910 canbe a single-threaded processor, a multi-threaded processor, or a quantumcomputer. The processor 910 is capable of processing instructions storedin the memory 920 or on the storage device 930. The processor 910 mayexecute operations such as causing the dialysis system to carry outfunctions related to voice commands, voice alarms, and voiceinstructions.

The memory 920 stores information within the system 900. In someimplementations, the memory 920 is a computer-readable medium. Thememory 920 can, for example, be a volatile memory unit or a non-volatilememory unit. In some implementations, the memory 920 stores information(e.g., text) that corresponds to one or more voice commands and/orwakeup commands, profiles that define arrangements of buttons to bedisplayed by a user interface (e.g., the touch screen display 118),authentication information that identifies access privileges of varioususers of the dialysis system 100, and/or information related toverbosity settings.

The storage device 930 is capable of providing mass storage for thesystem 900. In some implementations, the storage device 930 is anon-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage device 930 caninclude, for example, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, asolid-date drive, a flash drive, magnetic tape, or some other largecapacity storage device. The storage device 930 may alternatively be acloud storage device, e.g., a logical storage device including multiplephysical storage devices distributed on a network and accessed using anetwork.

The input/output device 940 provides input/output operations for thesystem 900. In some implementations, the input/output device 940includes one or more of network interface devices (e.g., an Ethernetcard), a serial communication device (e.g., an RS-232 10 port), and/or awireless interface device (e.g., an 802.11 card, a 3G wireless modem, ora 4G wireless modem). In some implementations, the input/output deviceincludes driver devices configured to receive input data and send outputdata to other input/output devices, e.g., keyboard, printer and displaydevices (such as the touch screen display 118). In some implementations,mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices, and otherdevices are used.

In some implementations, the system 900 is a microcontroller. Amicrocontroller is a device that contains multiple elements of acomputer system in a single electronics package. For example, the singleelectronics package could contain the processor 910, the memory 920, thestorage device 930, and input/output devices 940.

Although an example processing system has been described in FIG. 9,implementations of the subject matter and the functional operationsdescribed above can be implemented in other types of digital electroniccircuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementationsof the subject matter described in this specification can be implementedas one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules ofcomputer program instructions encoded on a tangible program carrier, forexample a computer-readable medium, for execution by, or to control theoperation of, a processing system. The computer readable medium can be amachine readable storage device, a machine readable storage substrate, amemory device, a composition of matter effecting a machine readablepropagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them.

The term “computer system” may encompass all apparatus, devices, andmachines for processing data, including by way of example a programmableprocessor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. A processingsystem can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates anexecution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., codethat constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, or a combination of one or moreof them.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, executable logic, or code) can be written in anyform of programming language, including compiled or interpretedlanguages, or declarative or procedural languages, and it can bedeployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module,component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to afile in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a filethat holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in amarkup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer programcan be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

Computer readable media suitable for storing computer programinstructions and data include all forms of non-volatile or volatilememory, media and memory devices, including by way of examplesemiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memorydevices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks ormagnetic tapes; magneto optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Theprocessor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in,special purpose logic circuitry. The components of the system can beinterconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication,e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networksinclude a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”),e.g., the Internet.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dialysis system comprising: a dialysis machine;a speaker; and an alarm component configured to: determine that an alarmcondition related to the dialysis machine exists; and cause the speakerto provide spoken information related to the alarm condition.
 2. Thedialysis system of claim 1, wherein the spoken information comprises anidentification of the dialysis machine.
 3. The dialysis system of claim2, wherein the identification of the dialysis machine comprises amachine number.
 4. The dialysis system of claim 1, wherein the spokeninformation comprises an identification of a location of the dialysismachine.
 5. The dialysis system of claim 1, wherein the spokeninformation comprises a name of a user of the dialysis system.
 6. Thedialysis system of claim 1, wherein the alarm component is configured todetermine the spoken information based on a verbosity setting of thedialysis system.
 7. The dialysis system of claim 6, wherein theverbosity setting is determined based on an identity of a user of thedialysis system.
 8. The dialysis system of claim 7, wherein informationrelated to the verbosity setting that corresponds to the user is storedon a server.
 9. The dialysis system of claim 6, wherein the verbositysetting is determined based on a medical qualification of a user of thedialysis system.
 10. A dialysis system comprising: a dialysis machine; aspeaker; and an instruction component configured to: determine that anaction has not yet been completed; and cause the speaker to providespoken instructions that assist a user of the dialysis system incompleting the action.
 11. The dialysis system of claim 10, wherein theinstruction component is configured to determine the spoken instructionsbased on a verbosity setting of the dialysis system.
 12. The dialysissystem of claim 11, wherein the verbosity setting is determined based onan identity of the user.
 13. The dialysis system of claim 12, whereininformation related to the verbosity setting that corresponds to theuser is stored on a server.
 14. The dialysis system of claim 11, whereinthe verbosity setting is determined based on a medical qualification ofthe user.
 15. The dialysis system of claim 10, wherein the instructioncomponent is configured to cause the speaker to provide subsequentspoken instructions that assist the user of the dialysis system incompleting a second action.
 16. The dialysis system of claim 15, whereinthe subsequent spoken instructions are provided a predetermined amountof time after the spoken instructions are provided.
 17. The dialysissystem of claim 15, wherein the subsequent spoken instructions areprovided in response to the user interacting with the dialysis systemafter the action is completed.
 18. The dialysis system of claim 10,comprising a display that is configured to provide visual informationrelated to the action.
 19. The dialysis system of claim 18, wherein thevisual information is one or both of an image and a video that show theaction being at least partially completed.
 20. The dialysis system ofclaim 10, wherein the action comprises one or more of a set up action, atreatment action, and a calibration action.